U.S. patent application number 16/390916 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-15 for systems and methods of detecting manipulations on a binary options exchange.
The applicant listed for this patent is CANTOR FUTURES EXCHANGE, L.P.. Invention is credited to Nolan Glantz, Rich Jaycobs, James Les Walker.
Application Number | 20190251631 16/390916 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51389170 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-15 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190251631 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jaycobs; Rich ; et
al. |
August 15, 2019 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF DETECTING MANIPULATIONS ON A BINARY OPTIONS
EXCHANGE
Abstract
Methods, apparatuses and article of manufactures for receiving a
plurality of bids and offers for a binary options transaction. Each
bid and offer comprises a quantity and a price. At least one rule
is applied to the plurality of received bids and offers. At least
one of the plurality of bids and offers is determined to be
potentially manipulative. An alert that the at least one bid or
offer is potentially manipulative is transmitted.
Inventors: |
Jaycobs; Rich; (Burlington,
MA) ; Glantz; Nolan; (Burlington, MA) ;
Walker; James Les; (Maynard, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CANTOR FUTURES EXCHANGE, L.P. |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51389170 |
Appl. No.: |
16/390916 |
Filed: |
April 22, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13832955 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
10304130 |
|
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16390916 |
|
|
|
|
61768117 |
Feb 22, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/04883 20130101;
G06Q 40/04 20130101; G06F 3/0488 20130101; G06F 3/04842 20130101;
G06F 2203/04806 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 40/04 20060101
G06Q040/04; G06F 3/0488 20060101 G06F003/0488; G06F 3/0484 20060101
G06F003/0484 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A method comprising: receiving, via at least one processor of at
least one computer in electronic communication with a plurality of
other computers via an electronic communications network, a
plurality of bids and offers for a binary options transaction in a
marketplace, in which each bid and offer comprises a quantity and a
price, in which each bid and offer of the plurality of bids and
offers is received over the electronic communications network from
at least one of the plurality of other computers; applying, via the
at least one processor, at least one rule to the plurality of
received bids and offers, in which applying the at least one rule
comprises: determining a subset of the plurality of received bids
and offers by removing at least one bid or offer from the received
plurality of bids and offers based on at least one of order price
and order quantity, the subset of the received plurality of bids
and offers comprising less than all of the plurality of received
bids and offers and comprising at least one bid or offer that has
not yet been executed; determining, via the at least one processor,
that at least one of the plurality of bids and offers is a
manipulative order indicating a deliberate attempt to interfere
with free trade in the marketplace, the manipulative order
comprising an electronic instruction comprising one of a
manipulative bid to purchase and a manipulative offer to sell, in
which the act of determining that at least one of the plurality of
bids and offers is a manipulative order comprises identifying the
manipulative order before any executing of the manipulative order;
responsive to determining that at least one of the plurality of
bids and offers is a manipulative order, transmitting, via the at
least one processor to a remote device, an alert about the
manipulative order, in which the remote device and the processor
are in electronic communication over the electronic communications
network, in which the alert indicates that the determined
manipulative order is a manipulative order; causing information
about one or more of the received plurality of bids and offers to
be displayed at an electronic display device in electronic
communication with the at least one processor; generating commands,
via the at least one processor, to render a price graph on a
graphical user interface of the display device of the remote
device; identifying, via the at least one processor, a perimeter
around the price graph; before receiving commands from a user of
the remote device to request to display a region beyond the
perimeter of the price graph, retrieving, via the at least one
processor, a set of points associated with the region beyond the
perimeter of the price graph; in response to a receiving commands
from a user of the remote device to request to display the region
beyond the perimeter of the price graph, via the at least one
processor, updating the display with the region beyond the
perimeter of the price graph with the previously retrieved set of
points associated with the region beyond the perimeter of the price
graph; receiving, via the at least one processor, from the
graphical user interface of the remote device, input which
corresponds to a request for a transformation of a graphical image
that is displayed on the graphical user interface of the remote
device; displaying, via the at least one processor, an updated
graphical image to replace the graphical image on the graphical
user interface of the remote device, in which a transition from the
graphical image to the updated graphical image comprises a
continuously displayed image; receiving, via the at least one
processor, from the graphical user interface of the remote device,
input which corresponds to a user gesture resulting in a scaling
transformation which changes the frequency by which time intervals
are sampled; and retrieving, via the at least one processor, data
points within a pre-defined area surrounding the position in
anticipation of a user gesture resulting in transition of an image
to an updated image in a continuous manner.
3. The method of claim 2, in which applying the at least one rule
to the plurality of received bids and offers comprises: determining
a pattern from the plurality of received bids and offers; and
determining any bids or offers that deviate from the pattern.
4. The method of claim 3, in which the act of determining a subset
of the plurality of received bids and offers further comprises:
removing any bids or offers that deviate from the pattern.
5. The method of claim 2 in which applying the at least one rule to
the plurality of bids and offers comprises: determining a bid or an
offer that falls outside a standard of deviation.
6. The method of claim 2 in which applying the at least one rule to
the plurality of bids and offers comprises: determining a bid or an
offer exceeds or fails to meet a threshold amount.
7. The method of claim 6, in which the threshold amount is a
maximum or minimum quantity amount.
8. The method of claim 6, in which the threshold amount is a
maximum or minimum price amount.
9. The method of claim 6, in which the threshold amount is a
quantity amount and a price amount.
10. The method of claim 6 further comprising: identifying a source
that submitted the manipulative order.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: determining a
quantity of alerts associated with the source exceeds a threshold
amount.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising: in response to
determining that the quantity of alerts associated with the source
exceeds the threshold amount, automatically rejecting any more bids
or offers that are submitted by the source.
13. The method of claim 11 further comprising: transmitting a
message about the quantity of alerts to a system administrator.
14. The method of claim 2, in which the binary options transaction
is based on a binary options instrument, and in which the act of
determining a subset of the plurality of received bids and offers
further comprises: randomly selecting one or more of the received
plurality of bids and offers to be removed; and removing the
randomly selected one or more of the received plurality of bids and
offers from the plurality of bids and offers.
15. The method of claim 2 in which the binary options instrument
comprises a risk derivative that is subject to an affirmative or
negative answer.
16. The method of claim 2 further comprising: updating the received
plurality of bids and offers.
17. The method of claim 2 further comprising: computing a binary
options index from the determined subset of the plurality of bids
and offers.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising: transmitting the
computed binary options index over the electronic communications
network; and causing the computed binary options index to be
displayed at the electronic display device.
19. The method of claim 17 further comprising: receiving a request
for a binary options transaction that is based on the computed
binary options index.
20. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor of at least one
computer in electronic communication with a plurality of other
computers via an electronic communications network; and a memory,
in which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the
at least one processor, direct the at least one processor to:
receive a plurality of bids and offers for a binary options
transaction in a marketplace, in which each bid and offer comprises
a quantity and a price, in which each bid and offer of the
plurality of bids and offers is received over the electronic
communications network from at least one of the plurality of other
computers; apply at least one rule to the plurality of received
bids and offers, in which the act of applying the at least one rule
comprises: determining a subset of the plurality of received bids
and offers by removing at least one bid or offer from the received
plurality of bids and offers based on at least one of order price
and order quantity, the subset of the received plurality of bids
and offers comprising less than all of the plurality of received
bids and offers and comprising at least one bid or offer that has
not yet been executed; determine that at least one of the plurality
of bids and offers is a manipulative order indicating a deliberate
attempt to interfere with free trade in the marketplace, the
manipulative order comprising an electronic instruction comprising
one of a manipulative bid to purchase and a manipulative offer to
sell, in which the act of determining that at least one of the
plurality of bids and offers is a manipulative order comprises
identifying the manipulative order before any executing of the
manipulative order; responsive to determining that at least one of
the plurality of bids and offers is a manipulative order, transmit
an alert about the manipulative bid to a remote device via the
electronic communications network, in which the alert indicates
that the determined manipulative order is a manipulative order;
cause information about one or more of the received plurality of
bids and offers to be displayed at an electronic display device in
electronic communication with the at least one processor; generate
commands, via the at least one processor, to render a price graph
on a graphical user interface of the display device of the remote
device; identifying, via the at least one processor, a perimeter
around the price graph; before receiving commands from a user of
the remote device to request to display a region beyond the
perimeter of the price graph, retrieve, via the at least one
processor, a set of points associated with the region beyond the
perimeter of the price graph; in response to a receiving commands
from a user of the remote device to request to display the region
beyond the perimeter of the price graph, via the at least one
processor, update the display with the region beyond the perimeter
of the price graph with the previously retrieved set of points
associated with the region beyond the perimeter of the price graph;
receive from the graphical user interface of the remote device,
input which corresponds to a request for a transformation of a
graphical image that is displayed on the graphical user interface
of the remote device; display an updated graphical image to replace
the graphical image on the graphical user interface of the remote
device, in which a transition from the graphical image to the
updated graphical image comprises a continuously displayed image;
receive, from the graphical user interface of the remote device,
input which corresponds to a user gesture resulting in a scaling
transformation which changes the frequency by which time intervals
are sampled; and retrieve data points within a pre-defined area
surrounding the position in anticipation of a user gesture
resulting in transition of an image to an updated image in a
continuous manner.
21. An article of manufacture comprising: a computer-readable
medium that is non-transitory, in which the computer-readable
medium stores instructions which, when executed by at least one
processor of at least one computer in electronic communication with
a plurality of other computers via an electronic communications
network, direct the at least one processor to: receive a plurality
of bids and offers for a binary options transaction in a
marketplace, in which each bid and offer comprises a quantity and a
price, in which each bid and offer of the plurality of bids and
offers is received over the electronic communications network from
at least one of the plurality of other computers; apply at least
one rule to the plurality of received bids and offers, in which the
act of applying the at least one rule comprises: determining a
subset of the plurality of received bids and offers by removing at
least one bid or offer from the received plurality of bids and
offers based on at least one of order price and order quantity, the
subset of the received plurality of bids and offers comprising less
than all of the plurality of received bids and offers and
comprising at least one bid or offer that has not yet been
executed; determine that at least one of the plurality of bids and
offers is a manipulative order indicating a deliberate attempt to
interfere with free trade in the marketplace, the manipulative
order comprising an electronic instruction comprising one of a
manipulative bid to purchase and a manipulative offer to sell, in
which the act of determining that at least one of the plurality of
bids and offers is a manipulative order comprises identifying the
manipulative order before any executing of the manipulative order;
responsive to determining that at least one of the plurality of
bids and offers is a manipulative order, transmit an alert about
the manipulative bid, in which the alert indicates that the
determined manipulative order is a manipulative order; cause
information about one or more of the received plurality of bids and
offers to be displayed at an electronic display device in
electronic communication with the at least one processor; generate
commands, via the at least one processor, to render a price graph
on a graphical user interface of the display device of the remote
device; identifying, via the at least one processor, a perimeter
around the price graph; before receiving commands from a user of
the remote device to request to display a region beyond the
perimeter of the price graph, retrieve, via the at least one
processor, a set of points associated with the region beyond the
perimeter of the price graph; in response to a receiving commands
from a user of the remote device to request to display the region
beyond the perimeter of the price graph, via the at least one
processor, update the display with the region beyond the perimeter
of the price graph with the previously retrieved set of points
associated with the region beyond the perimeter of the price graph;
receive from the graphical user interface of the remote device,
input which corresponds to a request for a transformation of a
graphical image that is displayed on the graphical user interface
of the remote device; display an updated graphical image to replace
the graphical image on the graphical user interface of the remote
device, in which a transition from the graphical image to the
updated graphical image comprises a continuously displayed image;
receive, from the graphical user interface of the remote device,
input which corresponds to a user gesture resulting in a scaling
transformation which changes the frequency by which time intervals
are sampled; and retrieve data points within a pre-defined area
surrounding the position in anticipation of a user gesture
resulting in transition of an image to an updated image in a
continuous manner.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a continuation application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/832,955 filed Mar. 15, 2013,
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/768,117, filed on Feb. 22, 2013, the disclosures of which are
hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Some embodiments may relate to trading binary options. In
particular, the trading of binary option on a mobile device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0003] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with an
aspect of the invention.
[0004] FIG. 2 is a pictorial block diagram of a system in
accordance with an aspect of the invention.
[0005] FIGS. 3-4c illustrates an exemplary screenshots of an
interface.
[0006] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary example of an order entry
window.
[0007] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary example of a confirmation
window.
[0008] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary example of an
introductory.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
I. Example Embodiments
[0009] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, a system 100 in accordance with one
aspect of the invention includes a server 110 containing a
plurality of processors 210, memory 220 and other components
typically present in general purpose computers.
[0010] Memory 220 stores information accessible by at least one
processor 210, including instructions 240 that may be executed by
the processor 210, and data 230 that may be retrieved, manipulated
or stored by the processor. The memory may be of any type capable
of storing information accessible by the processor.
[0011] The instructions 240 may be any set of instructions to be
executed directly (such as machine code) or indirectly (such as
scripts) by the processor. In that regard, the terms
"instructions," "steps" and "programs" may be used interchangeably
herein. The instructions also function as an algorithm allowing the
processor to perform the purposes intended by the instructions. The
instructions may be stored in object code form for direct
processing by the processor, or in any other computer language
including scripts or collections of independent source code modules
that are interpreted on demand or compiled in advance. Functions,
methods and routines of the instructions are explained in more
detail below.
[0012] Data 230 may be retrieved, stored or modified by processor
210 in accordance with the instructions 240. For instance, although
the invention is not limited by any particular data structure, the
data may be stored in computer registers, in a relational database
as a table having a plurality of different fields and records, XML
documents, or flat files. The data also may be formatted in any
computer readable format such as, but not limited to, binary
values, ASCII or Unicode. Moreover, the data may comprise any
information sufficient to identify the relevant information, such
as descriptive text, proprietary codes, pointers, references to
data stored in other memories (including other network locations)
or information which is used by a function to calculate the
relevant data.
[0013] Although the processor and memory are functionally
illustrated in FIG. 1 within the same block, it will be understood
by those of ordinary skill in the art that the processor and memory
may actually comprise multiple processors and memories that may or
may not be stored within the same physical housing. For example,
some of the instructions and data may be stored on removable CD-ROM
and others within a read-only computer chip. Some or all of the
instructions and data may be stored in a location physically remote
from, yet still accessible by, the processor. Similarly, the
processor may actually comprise a collection of processors which
may or may not operate in parallel.
[0014] In at least one embodiment, server 110 is a server
communicating with one or more client devices 150-151. Each client
device may be configured similarly to server 110, with a processor,
memory and instructions. Each client device 150-151 may be a mobile
device, such as an iPad, intended for use by a person 190-191,
having all the internal components normally found in a tablet
device such as a central processing unit (CPU), display 160,
hard-drive, user input devices (for example, touch-screen,
microphone, Bluetooth mouse, wireless keyboard, augment reality
spectacles), speakers, wireless modem and/or network interface
device and all of the components used for connecting these elements
to one another. Moreover, client devices in accordance with the
systems and methods described herein may comprise any device
capable of processing instructions and transmitting data to and
from humans and other computers, including mobile devices, personal
computers, smart phones, general purpose computers, network
computers lacking local storage capability, Personal Digital
Assistant (PDA) with modems and Internet-capable wireless phones,
any augmented reality devices, such as Google Glasses.
[0015] Server 110 and client devices 150-151 are capable of direct
and indirect communication, such as over a network 295. Although
only a few tablet devices are depicted in FIGS. 1-2, it should be
appreciated that a typical system can include a large number of
wireless computing devices, with each different computing device
accessing a different node of the network 295. The network and
intervening nodes may comprise various configurations and protocols
including the Internet, intranets, virtual private networks, wide
area networks, local networks, private networks using communication
protocols proprietary to one or more companies, Ethernet, WiFi and
HTTP. Such communication may be facilitated by any device capable
of transmitting data to and from other computers, such as modems
(e.g., dial-up or cable), networks and wireless interfaces. Server
110 may be a web server.
[0016] Although certain advantages are obtained when information is
transmitted or received as noted above, other aspects of the
invention are not limited to any particular manner of transmission
of information. For example, in some aspects, the information may
be sent via a medium such as a disk, tape or CD-ROM. In other
aspects, the information may be transmitted in a non-electronic
format and manually entered into the system. Yet further, although
some functions are indicated as taking place on a server and others
on a client, various aspects of the invention may be implemented by
a single computer having a single processor.
[0017] The data 230 includes database 270. Database 270 provides
market data 274 in response to requests for information associated
with a particular binary options instrument. The system and method
is not limited to a specific manner of expressing the binary
options market data.
[0018] The system and method is not limited to a particular type or
format. The market data 270 may be in any data format. Market data
may be any relevant information of interest to customers seeking to
execute a transaction on a binary options instrument. A user using
client device 150 may request market data information by connecting
to server 110.
[0019] FIGS. 3-7 illustrate how a screen in accordance with an
aspect of the system and method may look to a customer seeking to
make a binary options transaction.
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a screenshot of binary options interface
300. When binary options interface 300 is used on a tablet device,
it is desirable for binary options interface 300 to convey as much
information as possible without necessitating the opening of a new
webpage or window. In some embodiments, binary options interface
300 may employ features, such as pull-down menus, side columns,
scrolling, stretch-to-expand, pinch-to-shrink and dragging
gestures, in order to maximize the information provided on the
limited screen space.
[0021] In one embodiment, a user may select the binary options
instrument via pull down menu 302. System 100 is capable of
handling any type of instrument, including but not limit to,
financial instruments, S&P 500 indices, oil & gas indices,
real estate indices, futures indices, etc. In other words, any risk
derivative that is subject to a "yes" or "no" proposition may be
transacted via system 100. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3,
pull-down menu 302 offers a selection of currency pairs from which
the user selects the EUR/USD currency pair.
[0022] Upon selection of an instrument, binary options interface
300 displays real-time market data for the selected instrument. In
one embodiment, the market data is shown in display box 304. The
market data also may be displayed via price graph 306 which is
featured in graphical section 308. As the market data fluctuates
throughout the day, both display box 304 and price graph 306 are
updated continuously in real-time.
[0023] Although FIG. 3 illustrates the market data in the form of a
linear graph, system 100 is capable of displaying the market data
in any number of different formats, such as stacks, bar graphs,
scatter plots, etc. . . .
[0024] System 100 may receive market data from any number of
providers. These provides may be banks, broker dealers, hedge funds
and/or other vendors. The market data may be updated at any number
of time intervals. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the
market data is updated at a sampling rate of every half second.
This sampling rate may be determined in advance by any number of
sources. In one embodiment, the sampling rate is determined by the
market data provider. In another embodiment, system 100 determines
a default sampling rate. In another embodiment, the customer
determines the sampling rate. The customer also may have the option
to change the sampling rate during her use of system 100. In
another embodiment, only select customers are provided with the
option to change the sampling rate. System 100 may grant "select"
status to certain customers based on any number of factors, such as
their trading history, their frequency of trade, quantity of their
previous transactions, quantity of "trading" dollars purchased, and
the amount of money they have previously spent or earned using
system 100.
[0025] Upon receiving the market data, system 100 processes the
data before displaying the information in display box 304 and price
graph 306. In one embodiment, system 100 will determine the highest
bid price and lowest offer price and display those numbers. In
another embodiment, system 100 displays an index of the received
bids and offers in display box 304 and price graph 306. This index
may be calculated via a variety of techniques.
[0026] In one embodiment, system 100 computes the index by
averaging of all received bids and offers.
[0027] In another embodiment, the index is computed from a subset
of bids and offers, in which the subset does not consists of all
received bids and offers. For example, binary options 100 may
select the six most recently received bids and offers, and compute
the index using this subset of bids and offers. Any permutation,
where the index is computed from a subset that does not consists of
all received bids and offers, is permitted by system 100.
[0028] In one embodiment, at least one rule is applied to the
received bids and offers before an average is computed for the
index. The rule may be applied to all of the received bids and
offers, or the rule may be applied to a subset of the bids and
offers.
[0029] In one embodiment, the rule may consist of removing the
highest and lowest bids and offers. The index is then computed from
this reduced subset. The rule may encompass any variant of this
removal, such as removing the top two and bottom two highest/lowest
bids and offers.
[0030] Another rule may consist of comparing each bid and each
offer against a threshold quantity amount. Any bid or offer with a
quantity that falls below the minimum threshold amount is removed.
For instance, binary options interface 100 may only wish to list
bids and offers with a minimum quantity of 1M. Therefore, any bids
or offers that fails to meet the minimum quantity threshold is
removed from the subset. Again, the index is then computed from
this reduced subset.
[0031] Another rule may consist of comparing each bid and each
offer against a threshold price amount. For example, any bid that
is too low (e.g. does not meet a minimum price amount) may be
removed before the index is computed. Conversely, any offer that is
too high (e.g. does not meet a maximum price amount) may be removed
from the subset as well.
[0032] System 100 may seek to remove an order that appear to be
manipulative or provided in error. In one embodiment, the rule may
remove any suspicious bids or offers by applying a threshold price
amount. For example, any bids that are unusually high (e.g. does
not meet a maximum price amount), or any offers that are unusually
low (e.g., does not meet a minimum price amount) are removed before
the index is computed. Another rule may compare all received bids
and offers against a standard of deviation, so that any bids or
offers that fall outside the standard of deviation are removed.
[0033] System 100 also may employ rules that makes it more
difficult to predict. For example, system 100 may apply a rule
which randomly selects one or more bids and offers to be removed
before computing the index. To apply this rule, system 100 may
determined a periodic pattern in the received market data, and then
attempt to deviate from that periodic pattern.
[0034] In one embodiment, system 100 uses the order position of a
bid or offer. For example, the rule may consists of removing every
tenth bid and offer that is received by system 100. In one
embodiment, system 100 also may use a randomizer to generate the
order position that is to be removed.
[0035] In another embodiment, system 100 removes all bids at a
particular bid price or all offers at a particular offer price. The
particular bid and offer prices are randomly selected and may
change from time to time. For example, system 100 may remove any
EUR/USD rate that hits a specific value from the subset before
calculating the index.
[0036] In another embodiment, system 100 removes all bids having a
particular quantity, or all offers with a particular quantity. This
particular quantity also may be randomly selected and may change
from time to time.
[0037] In one embodiment, the detection of a potentially
manipulative bid or offer may trigger an alert to be sent to an
administrator of system 100. In another embodiment, system 100
automatically flags any potentially manipulative bids or offers and
identify their source. System 100 may transmit an alert regarding
the source of the manipulative bids or offers. An offender who
exceeds a threshold quantity of alerts may be prevented from
posting on system 100. In another example, any offers with a
manipulative order that exceeds a threshold amount may be prevented
immediately from posting on system 100. In another example, system
100 alerts a system administrator for further evaluation.
[0038] In one embodiment, system 100 calculates a weighted value
for each received bid and offer. This weighted value is computed by
combining the quantity amount and the bid/offer price. This
weighted value also may be used when computing the index and/or
when applying one of the rules.
[0039] Referring back to FIG. 3, a user of system 100 also may
select a closing time for the binary options transaction. Using
pull-down menu 310, the user selects from a plurality of available
closing times. System 100 may offer closing times at any number of
time intervals. For example, the closing times may occur every
hour, half hour, every two hours, every fifteen minutes, once a
day, or any other increment of time. In one embodiment, binary
options interface 300 does not offer any choices on the future
closing time. Instead, the user is automatically assigned to the
next available closing time.
[0040] Once the user selects a closing time, in one embodiment,
timer 312 displays a countdown of the remaining time until
expiration of the selected closing time. A user may wish to
reference timer 312 in determining whether to place another bid or
offer on binary system 100.
[0041] In one embodiment, the user also can view the amount of
money remaining her balance via box 322. She may purchase
additional trading dollars by clicking on an appropriate icon on
the display screen. In one embodiment, she may add trading dollars
by providing a valid credit card number. In another embodiment, she
may have the funds transferred from a banking institution.
[0042] The user also may select a strike level (or strike price)
for the selected instrument via pull-down menu 314. Any strike
level that is available for a binary options transaction may appear
in pull-down menu 314. In response to the user's selection, a
corresponding strike line is highlighted in graphical section
308.
[0043] At this point, any bids and offers place by the user would
be specific to the selected strike level at the selected closing
time. For example, in the illustrated example of FIG. 3, the user
selects a strike level of 1.3025 and a closing time of 3:00 pm. In
response to the user's selection, strike line 316 is highlighted in
graphical section 308. When placing a bid or offer, the user will
need to determine whether she believes that the currency index (as
depicted by price graph 306) will end up either above or below the
strike level of 1.3025 at 3:00 pm. If the user believes that the
answer is "yes" (i.e., the currency index for EUR/USD will close
"in the money," or above the selected strike level of 1.3025), she
would purchase a Call/Up option (i.e., submit an bid to buy).
Conversely, if the user believes that the answer is "no" (i.e., the
currency index for the EUR/USD will end below the selected strike
level of 1.3025), she would purchase a Put/Down option (i.e.,
submit an offer to sell). If the user wishes to place a bid or
offer for a differ strike level, she would select another strike
level using pull-down menu 314.
[0044] When placing the bid or offers, the user may rely on a
variety of information to inform her decision. This information may
be displayed on binary options interface 300. In one embodiment,
graphical interface 308 displays information pertaining to the best
available markets for each strike price. This information may be
displayed next to the corresponding strike line. As shown in FIG.
3, a plurality of strikes lines are displayed in graphical section
308 along vertical axis 364. Each strike line 316-324 has a
corresponding pair of market boxes 326-344. Market boxes 326-334
display the headline bid (or best bid) for its corresponding strike
price. Each of market boxes 326-334 appear above its corresponding
strike line. Similarly, market boxes 336-344 display the headline
offer (or best offer) for its corresponding strike price. Each of
market boxes 336-344 appear below its corresponding strike line.
The information displayed in market boxes 326-344 show the
available quantity and the best available price for its
corresponding strike level. For example, market box 330 lists "10 @
96," which indicates that at the present time the best available
bid at strike level 1.3025 is a quantity of 10 at an average price
of $96. Likewise, market box 340 lists "10 @ 78," which indicates
that at the present time the best available offer at strike level
1.3025 is a quantity of 10 at a price of $78.
[0045] In one embodiment, binary options interface 300 shows the
market depth for the selected strike level by displaying the next
best bids and next best offers in display box 346. Referring back
to the example shown in FIG. 3, for strike level 1.3025, the best
bid price at the present time is $96 (as shown in market box 340).
If a user desires to buy a quantity that is great than 10, she then
refers to the other bids listed in display box 346.
[0046] Furthermore, each time that a user selects a strike level
through pull-down menu 314, display box 346 automatically updates
to display the market depth information for that selected strike
level.
[0047] Both display box 346 and market boxes 326-344 are
dynamically updated in real-time. Any time that a liquidity
provider opens a new market, this new market appears on binary
options interface 300. If the new market is replacing a headline
offer or bid of a strike level, then the corresponding market box
for that strike level is updated accordingly. The previous headline
offer or bid is moved to display box 346.
[0048] In one embodiment, display box 346 lists the headline bids
and offers, as well as the other available next best bids and
offers are hidden from the initial view of binary options interface
300. In one embodiment, the user swipes the touch-screen in a
down-up motion in order to scroll below to see additional next best
bids and offers. In another embodiment, the user double taps on
display box 346, which displays a pop-up window that displays all
available next best bids and offers
[0049] At any point during a binary options transaction, a user may
desire to view additional information from graphical section 308.
In particular, the user may wish to manipulate the images displayed
in graphical section 308, such as zooming in, zooming out, viewing
past data points, or viewing additional strike levels.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, graphical section 308 comprises
horizontal axis 362 and vertical axis 364. Time increments are
distributed along horizontal axis 362, and strike levels are
distributed along vertical axis 364. In one embodiment, system 100
comprises a centering mechanism, which detects the current market
index and automatically displays price graph 306 in the center of
vertical axis 364. In one embodiment, the user double taps anywhere
on graphical area 308 to re-center the price graph 306.
[0051] There are various ways in which a user can manipulate the
data displayed in graphical section 308. A user may desire certain
operations such as scrolling, selecting, gesturing, and animating
operations for a display of the device.
[0052] In one embodiment, a user views past market data by
scrolling. Scrolling is the act of sliding in a direction (e.g.,
horizontal or vertical) to view additional content, such as text,
drawings, or images, across a screen or display window. In a
typical graphical user interface, scrolling may be performed by a
dragging gesture of the finger. In another embodiment, scrolling
maybe be done with the help of a scrollbar or using keyboard
shortcuts, such as arrow keys. For example, the user may drag her
finger in a vertical direction in order to see additional strike
levels (and their corresponding market boxes). The user also may
drag her finger in a horizontal direction to view different time
periods of price graph 306, if the full graph history is not in
view.
[0053] In another embodiment, the user acquires additional
information by performing a gesture, such as a stretch-to-expand or
pinch-to-shrink gesture on the touchpad screen. Gesturing is a type
of user input with two or more input points. Animating operations
include changing content within a given time period. The
stretch-to-expand or pinch-to-shrink gesture result in a scaling
transformation such as a zoom-in or zoom-out functionality. The
gesture operations also include performing a rotation transform to
rotate an image or view in response to a user input having two or
more input points.
[0054] When a user employs a stretch-to-expand gesture, she
increases the frequency by which the time intervals are sampled
along horizontal axis 362. Price graph 306 is now displayed over a
shorter period of time. The stretch-to-expand gesture also
decreases the number of strike levels that are displayed along
vertical axis 364. As a result, the stretch-to-expand gesture
causes a zoom-in effect of price graph 306. In one embodiment,
system 100 monitors the quantity of stretch-to-expand gestures
received on the touch screen, in order to determine the percentage
by which price graph 306 should be enlarged. For example, in one
embodiment, a single stretch-to-expand gesture may result a first
scaling factor (e.g., a 25% magnification), whereas two
stretch-to-expand gestures may result in a second scaling factor
(e.g., 50% magnification) of price graph 306.
[0055] FIG. 4a illustrates a screenshot of binary options interface
300 in a default setting. In the illustrated example, there are
five strike levels displayed along vertical axis 364 and the time
intervals along horizontal axis 362 are sampling at approximately
every 14-sec. Price graph 306 is displayed over approximately a
53-sec period of time. By contrast, FIG. 4b illustrates a
screenshot of binary options interface 300 after the user has
performed a stretch-to-expand gesture. Price graph 306 is now
displayed over a shorter period of time: 28-sec. The sampling rate
along horizontal axis 362 increases from sampling at every 14
seconds to sampling at every 7-sec time intervals. The zoom-in
effect on graphical section 308 also decreases the quantity of
displayed strike levels. Where as FIG. 4a shows five strike levels
along vertical axis 364, FIG. 4b now shows two strike levels.
[0056] When a user employs a pinch-to-shrink gesture, she decrease
the frequency by which the time interval are sampled along
horizontal axis 362. Price graph 306 is now displayed over a longer
period of time. The pinch-to-shrink gesture also increases the
number of strike levels that are displayed along vertical axis 364.
As a result, the pinch-to-shrink gesture causes a zoom-out effect
of price graph 306. In one embodiment, system 100 monitors the
quantity of pinch-to-shrink gestures received on the touch screen,
in order to determine the percentage by which price graph 306
should be reduced. For example, in one embodiment, a single
pinch-to-shrink gesture may result a first scaling factor (e.g.,
25% reduction), whereas two stretch-to-expand gestures may result
in a second scaling factor (e.g. 50% reduction) of price graph
306.
[0057] FIG. 4c illustrates a screenshot of binary options interface
300 after the user has performed a pinch-to-shrink gesture.
Compared with the price graph 306 that is displayed in FIG. 4b,
price graph 306 is displayed over a longer period of time (41-sec)
in FIG. 4c. The sampling rate along horizontal axis 362 decreases
from sampling at every 7 seconds to sampling at every 10-sec time
intervals. The zoom-out effect on graphical section 308 also
increases the number of displayed strike levels from two to
three.
[0058] In one embodiment, the transition between each of the
pinch-to-shrink and stretch-to-expand gestures is completely
seamless. The user does not, at any time, experience a break in the
image of price graph 306 that is displayed in graphical section
308. System 100 accomplishes this seamless display of price graph
306 through a number of different methods.
[0059] In one embodiment, system 100 uses an anticipatory zoom
technique that interpolates between known data points in order to
generate an initial image of price graph 306. System 100 then
retrieves the actual data points and updates the initial image with
the actual data points. Because the initial image is based on
interpolated data, the image will be fairly similar to the
subsequent image that is generated from the actual data points. As
such, the user does not perceive any significant changes between
the initial image and the subsequent image of price graph 306.
[0060] In another embodiment, system 100 uses an anticipatory
retrieval technique that retrieves in advance a small cache of data
points in anticipation of a stretch-to-expand or pinch-to-shrink
gesture from the user.
[0061] In one embodiment, the anticipatory retrieval technique
requires system 100 to monitor the user's location. The user's
location may be based on any number of ways, such as detecting the
pressure of a finger against the touch screen, the location of a
cursor, or where the user is looking through augmented reality
spectacles. System 100 then corresponds the user's location to a
position on price graph 306, and then retrieves data points within
a pre-defined area surrounding the position. This retrieved data is
stored locally and may be easily and quickly accessed. If the user
performs a gesture, such as stretch-to-expand, pinch-to-shrink
and/or scrolling, system 100 is able to transition into an updated
image of price graph 306 in a continuous manner, because it does
not need to pause to retrieve the data.
[0062] In another embodiment, system 100 identifies a perimeter
surrounding price graph 306. The perimeter may include a beginning
point and end point to price graph 306. In advance of receiving any
request from the user, system 100 retrieves a set of data points
located outside the perimeter. In other words, system 100
anticipates that a user may wish to scroll beyond the displayed
data. Again, because the data is retrieved in advance, the user
experiences a seamless transition in the displayed image because
system 100 does not need to pause to retrieve the data after the
request.
[0063] In another embodiment, the anticipatory retrieval technique
is triggered upon the detection of a stretch-to-expand or
pinch-to-shrink gesture. The detection of a stretch-to-expand or
pinch-to-shrink gesture may trigger system 100 to retrieve the data
points that correspond to a subsequent stretch-to-expand or
pinch-to-shrink gesture. In another embodiment, the anticipatory
retrieval technique is not triggered until a quantity of
stretch-to-expand or pinch-to-shrink gestures have been detected.
The quantity may be calculated within a period of time, such as
receiving two stretch-to-expand gestures within a 5-second
interval.
[0064] Any of the techniques described above may be used
individually or in combination to provide a seamless transition
between each of the detected scrolling, gestures or manipulations
from the user.
[0065] FIG. 5 illustrates a screenshot of binary options interface
300 after the user has indicated a desire to trade an order. There
are a number of different ways in which a user may cause order
entry window 500 to appear on binary options interface 300. In one
embodiment, order entry window 500 appears after the user taps on
any region of graphical section 308. In another embodiment, order
entry window 500 appears after the user taps on one of icons
348-356, which are located proximate to its corresponding strike
lines 316-324. In yet another embodiment, order entry window 500
appears after the user taps on one of market boxes 326-344.
[0066] In one embodiment, order entry window 500 automatically
populates quantity input 502 and price input 504 with default
settings. These default settings may be a quantity amount or price
that is determined in advance by any number of sources. In one
embodiment, system 100 determines the default quantity amount in
advance. The current market price of the bid or offer is used for
the price of the transaction. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the
default quantity amount is 10, and the default price is the market
price.
[0067] In another embodiment, a user provides the default quantity
amount. The user may select a settings icon, which opens a settings
window. The user then inputs a desired default quantity amount in
the settings window.
[0068] In another embodiment, the default settings may be taken
from the headline bid or the headline offer for a specific strike
level. For example, referring to FIG. 5, if the user taps on market
box 330, then entry window 500 may populate quantity input 502 with
"100" and price input 504 with "62." In yet another example, the
user taps on icon 356 and then indicates whether she wishes to buy
or sell. Depending on her selection, order entry 500 populates with
either the corresponding headline bid or offer prices.
[0069] The user also may wish to change the default settings for
quantity input 502 and price input 504. In one embodiment, the user
taps on quantity input 502 or price input 504, which causes a
keyboard to superimpose over binary options interface 300. Using
the keyboard, the user can type in the desired quantity and price
into their respective input boxes. In another embodiment, entry
window 500 includes indicator buttons, such as up/down arrows,
plus/minus, etc. The user taps on these indicator buttons to adjust
the amount listed in quantity input 502 and price input 504. In yet
another embodiment, the user can make global changes to the default
settings.
[0070] In another embodiment, the default settings may be derived
from a previous transaction, so that if the user placed an order
with a quantity of 2, then for the next order, order entry window
will automatically input a quantity of 2 as the default
setting.
[0071] Once the user is satisfied with the quantity and price being
listed in entry window 500, she may submit her order to system
100.
[0072] The user then indicates whether she wishes to purchase a
call option (i.e., tap "Buy" button 508) or a put option (i.e. tap
"Sell" button 410). She then selects confirmation button 512, which
cause confirmation window 600 (as shown in FIG. 6) to replace order
entry window 500.
[0073] Confirmation window 600 displays information about the
pending transaction, such as the type of instrument, the closing
time, the strike price, whether the order is a buy or sell order,
the strike level, the desired quantity, the desired price, etc. If
the user is satisfied with the information displayed in
confirmation window 600, she selects button 602 to place the order.
If the user wishes to cancel out of confirmation window 600, she
simply selects button 604. In one embodiment, selecting button 604
returns the user to entry window 500. In another embodiment,
selecting button 604 returns the user back to binary options
interface 300.
[0074] Likewise, if the user wishes to change any of the
information listed in confirmation window 600, she may selects
button 606 to modify. By selecting button 606, the user is returned
to entry window 500, where she can change the desired quantity,
desired price and whether she wishes for the order to be a "Buy" or
a "Sell". If the user wishes to make any additional changes, such
as changing the type of instrument, closing time and/or the strike
level, then she can select cancel button 514 on entry window 500,
as shown in FIG. 5. By selecting cancel button 514, she closes
entry window 500 from binary options interface 300.
[0075] In another embodiment, the user may chose to streamline the
transaction process by eliminating confirmation window 600. In one
embodiment, the user may indicate this preference in a settings
option. In such instances where the user desires to bypass
confirmation window 500, a buy or sell order is directly submitted
to system 100, upon the selection of confirmation button 512 in
entry window 500.
[0076] Referring back to FIG. 3, after an order is placed, it may
appear in box 358, which lists the open positions. Each entry in
box 358 shows the quantity of contracts that have been purchased,
the average price and the corresponding strike level. In the
example shown in FIG. 3, the user has purchased 2 contracts at an
average price of $64 each. These contracts will be "in the money"
if the index closes above the strike price of 1.3025. The user also
has purchase 1 contract at an average price of $80 for strike price
1.3020. If a user purchases both a bid and an offer for the same
strike level, system 100 computes the difference and displays the
remaining amount as a single entry in positions box 358. In one
embodiment, the open positions also appear as an icon under
corresponding strike level icons 348-356. In another embodiment,
the open positions appear as an icon on corresponding strike lines
316-324.
[0077] In one embodiment, the user may modify or cancel the entry
by tapping directly on the entry in positions box 360. In doing so,
open entry window 500 pops open (FIG. 5). The user may modify or
cancel the entry from entry window 500.
[0078] In one embodiment, the user may tap on a strike level icon
3448-356 to enter a limit order that allows the user to enter the
maximum price that she is willing to pay. If there is no immediate
match available in the market, these limit orders are displayed in
box 360. These limit orders will remain in box 360 until a match
become available. At which point, the orders will move to box
358.
[0079] In one embodiment, binary options interface 300 also
includes status area 362, which shows status changes and other
important messages. In one example, the message may alert the user
that she is running low on money. In another example, the message
notifies the user that an order has been completed.
[0080] FIG. 7 illustrates a screenshot of binary options interface
300. In one embodiment, the user is greeted by an introductory page
upon first opening the binary options application. The introductory
page includes a plurality of comment bubbles, which explain the
functionality of various portions of the binary options interface
300.
[0081] Alternative Technologies
[0082] It will be understood that the technologies described herein
for making, using, or practicing various embodiments are but a
subset of the possible technologies that may be used for the same
or similar purposes. The particular technologies described herein
are not to be construed as limiting. Rather, various embodiments
contemplate alternate technologies for making, using, or practicing
various embodiments.
Additional Embodiments
[0083] A. A method comprising: receiving, via a processor, a
plurality of bids and offers for a binary options instrument, in
which each bid and offer comprises a quantity and a price;
generating a subset of bids and offers from the plurality of
received bids and offers; applying, via a processor, at least one
rule to the subset of bids and offers to generate a reduced subset
of bids and offers; computing, via a processor, a binary options
index from the reduced subset of bids and offers; and receiving,
from a remote device, a request for a binary options transaction
that is based on the computed binary options index, in which the
remote device and the processor are in electronic communication
over a network.
[0084] A.0. The method of claim A further comprising: transmitting
the computed binary options index to be displayed. A.1. The method
of claim A, in which receiving the plurality of bids and offers
comprises: receiving at a mobile device. A.2. The method of claim
A, in which the mobile device is a tablet device. A.3. The method
of claim A in which the binary options instrument comprises a risk
derivative that is subject to an affirmative or negative answer.
A.4. The method of claim A in which the binary options instrument
comprises at least one of: a financial instrument, a S&P 500
index, an oil & gas index, a real estate index, a futures
index.
[0085] A.5. The method of claim A further comprising: updating the
plurality received of bids and offers. A.5.1. The method of claim
A.5, in which the updating the received plurality of bids and
offers occurs at a sampling rate. A.5.1.1. The method of claim
A.5.1, in which the sampling rate comprises every half second.
[0086] A.6. The method of claim A further comprising: computing a
weighted value for each bid and offer, in which the weight value
comprises a combination of a price and a quantity of each bid and
offer. A.6.1. The method of claim A.6, in which the at least one
rule is applied against the weighted value of each bid or
offer.
[0087] A.7. The method of claim A, in which the subset of bids and
offers comprises a portion of the plurality of bids and offers.
A.8. The method of claim A, in which the subset of bids and offers
comprises all of the received bids and offers. A.9. The method of
claim A, in which generating the subset of bids and offers
comprises: selecting a quantity of recently received bids and
offers. A.9.1. The method of claim A.9, in which the quantity of
recently received bids and offers is 6. A.10. The method of claim
A, in which generating the subset of bids and offers comprises:
selecting the bids and offers received within a period of time.
[0088] A.11. The method of claim A, in which the applying the at
least one rule to the subset of bids and offers comprises: sorting
the plurality of bids and offers; and removing at least one of: a
highest bid, a highest offer, a lowest bid and a lowest offer.
A.12. The method of claim A, in which applying the at least one
rule to the subset of bids and offers comprises: removing a bid or
an offer that comprises a specific value. A.12. The method of claim
A.12, in which the specific value is determined in advance of the
binary options transaction. A.13. The method of claim A, in which
applying the at least one rule to the subset of bids and offers
comprises: removing any bid or offers that fall within a specific
window of values. A.14. The method of claim A, in which applying
the at least one rule to the subset of bids and offers comprises:
removing a bid or an offer that the exceeds a threshold. A.14.1.
The method of claim A.14, in which the threshold is a maximum price
threshold. A.14.2. The method of claim A.14, in which the threshold
is a maximum quantity threshold. A.14.3. The method of claim A.14,
in which the threshold is determined in advance of the binary
options transaction. A.15. The method of claim A, in which applying
the at least one rule to the subset of bids and offers comprises:
removing a bid or an offer that the fails to meet a threshold.
A.15.1. The method of claim A.15, in which the threshold is a
minimum price threshold. A.15.2. The method of claim A.15, in which
the threshold is a minimum quantity threshold. A.15.3. The method
of claim A.15, in which the threshold is determined in advance of
the binary options transaction. A.16. The method of claim A, in
which applying the at least one rule to the subset of bids and
offers comprises: removing a bid or an offer that falls outside a
standard of deviation. A.16. The method of claim A.16, in which the
standard of deviation is determined in advance of the binary
options transaction.
[0089] A.17. The method of claim A further comprising: determining
a pattern from the plurality of received bids and offers; and
deviating from the pattern. A.17.1. The method of claim A.17, in
which the pattern is an order position in which a bid or an offer
is received; and removing any bids and offers with the order
position. A.17.1. The method of claim A.17.1, in which the order
position is determined by a random number generator. A.17.2. The
method of claim A.17, in which the pattern is a specific value; and
removing any bids and offers with the specific value. A.17.3. The
method of claim A.17, in which the pattern is a specific window of
values; and removing any bids and offers having values within the
specific window of values. A.18. The method of claim A, in which
applying the at least one rule to the plurality of bids and offers
comprises: randomly removing a bid or an offer. A.19. The method of
claim A further comprising: determining that a bid or an offer is
potentially manipulative; and transmitting an alert that the bid or
the offer that is potentially manipulative. A.20. The method of
claim A further comprising: determining that a bid or an offer is
potentially manipulative; determining a source that submitted the
bid or the offer that is potentially manipulative; and transmitting
an alert regarding the source. A.20.1. The method of claim A.20.
further comprising: determining that the source has received a
quantity of alerts that exceeds a threshold; and automatically
preventing the source from submitted any more bids or offers.
A.20.2. The method of claim A.20. further comprising: determining
that the source has received a quantity of alerts that exceeds a
threshold; and transmitting a message to a system
administrator.
[0090] A.21. An apparatus comprising: a processor; and a memory, in
which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the
processor, direct the processor to: receive a plurality of bids and
offers for a binary options instrument, in which each bid and offer
comprises a quantity and a price; generate a subset of bids and
offers from the plurality of received bids and offers; apply at
least one rule to the subset of bids and offers to generate a
reduced subset of bids and offers; compute a binary options index
from the reduced subset of bids and offers; transmit the computed
binary options index to be displayed; and receive a request for a
binary options transaction that is based on the computed binary
options index.
[0091] A.22. An article of manufacture comprising: a
computer-readable medium that is non-transitory, in which the
computer-readable medium stores instructions which, when executed
by a processor, direct the processor to: receive a plurality of
bids and offers for a binary options instrument, in which each bid
and offer comprises a quantity and a price; generate a subset of
bids and offers from the plurality of received bids and offers;
apply at least one rule to the subset of bids and offers to
generate a reduced subset of bids and offers; compute a binary
options index from the reduced subset of bids and offers; transmit
the computed binary options index to be displayed; and receive a
request for a binary options transaction that is based on the
computed binary options index.
[0092] B. A method comprising: receiving, via a processor, a
plurality of bids and offers for a binary options transaction, in
which each bid and offer comprises a quantity and a price;
applying, via a processor, at least one rule to the plurality of
received bids and offers; determining, via a processor, that at
least one of the plurality of bids and offers is potentially
manipulative; and transmitting to a remote device an alert the at
least one bid or offer that is potentially manipulative, in which
the remote device and the processor are in electronic communication
over a network. B1. The method of claim B in which applying the at
least one rule to the plurality of received bids and offers
comprises: determining a pattern from the plurality of received
bids and offers; and determining any bids or offers that deviate
from the pattern. B.1.1. The method of claim B.1. further
comprises: removing any bids of offers that deviate from the
pattern. B2. The method of claim B in which applying the at least
one rule to the plurality of bids and offers comprises: determining
that a bid or an offer that falls outside a standard of deviation.
B.2.1. The method of claim B.2. further comprising: removing the
bid or the offer that falls outside the standard of deviation.
[0093] B3. The method of claim B in which applying the at least one
rule to the plurality of bids and offers comprises: determining
that a bid or an offer exceeds a threshold amount. B.3.1. The
method of claim B.3, in which the threshold amount is a maximum
quantity amount. B.3.2. The method of claim B.3, in which the
threshold amount is a maximum price amount. B.3.3. The method of
claim B.3, in which the threshold amount is a quantity amount and a
price amount. B.3.4. The method of claim B.3. further comprising:
removing any bids or offers that exceeds the threshold amount.
B.3.5. The method of claim B.3, in which the threshold amount is
determined in advance of receiving a binary options transaction.
B4. The method of claim B in which applying the at least one rule
to the plurality of bids and offers comprises: determining that a
bid or an offer fails to meet a threshold amount. B.4.1. The method
of claim B.4, in which the threshold amount is a minimum quantity
amount. B.4.2. The method of claim B.4, in which the threshold
amount is a minimum price amount. B.4.3. The method of claim B.4,
in which the threshold amount is a quantity amount and a price
amount. B.4.4. The method of claim B.4. further comprising:
removing any bids or offers that fails to meet the threshold
amount. B.4.5. The method of claim B.4, in which the threshold
amount is determined in advance of receiving a binary options
transaction.
[0094] B.5. The method of claim B further comprises: determining a
source of the bid or offer that is possibly manipulative. B.5.1.
The method of claim B.5. further comprising: determining that the
source has received a quantity of alerts that exceeds a threshold.
B.5.1.1. The method of claim B.5.1. further comprising:
automatically preventing the source from submitted any more bids or
offers. B.5.1.2. The method of claim B.5.1. further comprising:
transmitting a message about the quantity of alerts received by the
source to a system administrator.
[0095] B.6. The method of claim B, in which the binary options
transaction is based on a binary options instrument. B.6.1. The
method of claim B in which the binary options instrument comprises
a risk derivative that is subject to an affirmative or negative
answer. B.6.2. The method of claim B in which the binary options
instrument comprises at least one of: a financial instrument, a
S&P 500 index, an oil & gas index, a real estate index, a
futures index. B.7. The method of claim B further comprising:
updating the received plurality of bids and offers. B.8. The method
of claim B further comprising: selecting a subset of bids and
offers from the plurality of bids and offers; and computing a
binary options index from the reduced subset of bids and offers.
B.8.1. The method of claim B.9. further comprising: transmitting
the computed binary options index to be displayed. B.8.2. The
method of claim B.8. further comprising: receiving a request for a
binary options transaction that is based on the computed binary
options index.
[0096] B.9. An apparatus comprising: a processor; and a memory, in
which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by the
processor, direct the processor to: receive a plurality of bids and
offers for a binary options transaction, in which each bid and
offer comprises a quantity and a price; apply at least one rule to
the plurality of received bids and offers; determine that at least
one of the plurality of bids and offers is potentially
manipulative; and transmit an alert the at least one bid or offer
that is potentially manipulative.
[0097] B.10. An article of manufacture comprising: a
computer-readable medium that is non-transitory, in which the
computer-readable medium stores instructions which, when executed
by a processor, direct the processor to: receive a plurality of
bids and offers for a binary options transaction, in which each bid
and offer comprises a quantity and a price; apply at least one rule
to the plurality of received bids and offers; determine that at
least one of the plurality of bids and offers is potentially
manipulative; and transmit an alert the at least one bid or offer
that is potentially manipulative.
[0098] C. A method for providing seamless transitions between
graphical images on a binary options interface, the method
comprising: receiving, via a processor, an user-input on a
touch-sensitive display of the binary options interface, in which
the user-input corresponds to a request for a transformation of a
graphical image that is displayed on the binary options interface
and in which the binary options interface is integrated into a
mobile device; generating, via the processor, in response to the
user-input, an updated graphical image; displaying, via the
processor, the updated graphical image to replace the graphical
image on the binary options interface, in which a transition from
the graphical image to the updated graphical image comprises a
continuously displayed image.
[0099] C.1. The method of claim C, in which the graphical image
corresponds to a binary options index. C.2. The method of claim C,
in which the mobile device is a tablet device.
[0100] C.3. The method of claim C, in which the transformation is a
scaling transformation. C.4. The method of claim C, in which the
user-input is a stretch-to-expand gesture. C.4.1. The method of
claim C.4, in which the scaling transformation comprises zooming in
on the graphical image. C.4.2. The method of claim C.4, in which
the updated graphical image is an enlarged image of the graphical
image. C.5. The method of claim C, in which the user-input is a
pinch-to-shrink gesture. C.5.1. The method of claim C.5, in which
the scaling transformation comprises zooming out from the graphical
image. C.5.2. The method of claim C.5, in which the updated
graphical image is a reduced image of the graphical image.
[0101] C.6. The method of claim C, in which generating the updated
graphical image further comprises: identifying at least two data
points on the graphical image; and generating a first graphical
image by interpolating the at least two data points; displaying the
first graphical image to replace the graphical image on the binary
options interface; retrieving actual data points that correspond to
the requested scaling transformation; and generating an updated
graphical image to replace the first graphical image. C.6.1. The
method of claim C.6. further comprising: displaying the updated
graphical image to replace the first graphical image, which the
updated graphical image is generated from the actual data
points.
[0102] C.7. The method of claim C, in which generating the updated
graphical image further comprises: in response to receiving an
indication of a trigger, retrieving, in advance of receiving the
request for the transformation, data points that correspond to the
updated graphical image. C.7.1. The method of C.7, in which the
trigger comprises: detecting a finger pressure at a location on the
touch-sensitive display, in which the location corresponds to a
position on the graphical image; and retrieving the data points
within an area of the position, in which at least a portion of the
data points within the area of the position are used to generate
the updated graphical image. C.7.1.1. The method of claim C.7.1, in
which the area is defined in advance of receiving the request for
the transformation.
[0103] C.7.2. The method of C.7. in which the trigger comprises:
detecting a stretch-to-expand gesture. C.7.2.1. The method of claim
C.7.2. further comprising: retrieving data points that correspond
to a subsequent stretch-to-expand gesture, in which at least a
portion of the data points are used to generate the updated
graphical image. C.7.2.2. The method of claim C.7.2. further
comprising: retrieving data points that correspond to a subsequent
pinch-to-shrink gesture, in which at least a portion of the data
points are used to generate the updated graphical image. C.7.2.3.
The method of claim C.7.2. further comprising: retrieving data
points that correspond to a subsequent stretch-to-expand gesture
and pinch-to-shrink gesture, in which at least a portion of the
data points are used to generate the updated graphical image.
C.7.3. The method of C.7, in which the trigger comprises: detecting
a quantity of stretch-to-expand gestures; and retrieving data
points that correspond to a subsequent stretch-to-expand gesture,
in which at least a portion of the data points are used to generate
the updated graphical image. C.7.4. The method of C.7, in which the
trigger comprises: detecting a pinch-to-shrink gesture. C.7.4.1.
The method of claim C.7.4. further comprising: retrieving data
points that correspond to a subsequent pinch-to-shrink gesture, in
which at least a portion of the data points are used to generate
the updated graphical image. C.7.4.2. The method of claim C.7.4
further comprising: retrieving data points that correspond to a
subsequent stretch-to-expand gesture, in which at least a portion
of the data points are used to generate the updated graphical
image. C.7.4.3. The method of claim C.7.4 further comprising:
retrieving data points that correspond to a subsequent
pinch-to-shrink gesture and stretch-to-expand gesture, in which at
least a portion of the data points are used to generate the updated
graphical image. C.7.5. The method of C.7, in which the trigger
comprises: detecting a quantity pinch-to-shrink gesture; and
retrieving data points that correspond to a subsequent
pinch-to-shrink gesture, in which at least a portion of the data
points are used to generate the updated graphical image. C.7.6. The
method of C.7. in which the trigger comprises: detecting a
stretch-to-expand gesture or a pinch-to-shrink gesture. C.7.6.1.
The method of claim C.7.6. further comprising: retrieving data
points that correspond to a subsequent stretch-to-expand gesture
and pinch-to-shrink gesture, in which at least a portion of the
data points are used to generate the updated graphical image.
[0104] C.8. The method of C, in which generating the updated
graphical image further comprises: detecting a perimeter of the
graphical image; retrieving data points within an area of the
perimeter, in which at least a portion of the data points are used
to generate the updated graphical image. C.9. The method of claim
C, in which the user-input is a scrolling gesture. C.9.1. The
method of C.9, in which generating the updated graphical image
further comprises: detecting a perimeter of the graphical image;
retrieving data points within an area outside the perimeter, in
which at least a portion of data points are used to generate the
updated graphical image. C.9.2. The method of claim C.9.1, in which
the area is determined in advance of receiving the request for the
transformation.
[0105] C.10. An apparatus for providing seamless transitions
between graphical images on a binary options interface, the
apparatus comprising: a processor; and a memory, in which the
memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor,
direct the processor to: receive an user-input on a touch-sensitive
display of the binary options interface, in which the user-input
corresponds to a request for a transformation of a graphical image
that is displayed on the binary options interface and in which the
binary options interface is integrated into a mobile device;
generate, in response to the user-input, an updated graphical
image; display the updated graphical image to replace the graphical
image on the binary options interface, in which a transition from
the graphical image to the updated graphical image comprises a
continuously displayed image.
[0106] C.11. An article of manufacture for providing seamless
transitions between graphical images on a binary options interface,
the article of manufacture comprising: a computer-readable medium
that is non-transitory, in which the computer-readable medium
stores instructions which, when executed by a processor, direct the
processor to: receive an user-input on a touch-sensitive display of
the binary options interface, in which the user-input corresponds
to a request for a transformation of a graphical image that is
displayed on the binary options interface and in which the binary
options interface is integrated into a mobile device; generate, in
response to the user-input, an updated graphical image; display the
updated graphical image to replace the graphical image on the
binary options interface, in which a transition from the graphical
image to the updated graphical image comprises a continuously
displayed image.
[0107] The following sections provide a guide to interpreting the
present application.
III. Terms
[0108] The term "product" means any machine, manufacture and/or
composition of matter, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0109] The term "product" means a machine, manufacture and/or
composition of matter, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0110] The term "process" means a process, algorithm, method or the
like, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0111] Each process (whether called a method, algorithm or
otherwise) inherently includes one or more steps, and therefore all
references to a "step" or "steps" of a process have an inherent
antecedent basis in the mere description of a process, or in the
mere recitation of the term `process` or a like term. Accordingly,
any reference in a claim to a `step` or `steps` of a process has
sufficient antecedent basis.
[0112] The term "invention" and the like mean "the one or more
inventions disclosed in this application", unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0113] The terms "an embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the
embodiment", "the embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some
embodiments", "certain embodiments", "one embodiment", "another
embodiment" and the like mean "one or more (but not all)
embodiments of the invention", unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0114] The term "variation" of an invention means an embodiment of
the invention, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0115] The term "indication" is used in an extremely broad sense.
An "indication" of a thing should be understood to include anything
that may be used to determine the thing.
[0116] An indication of a thing may include an electronic message
that identifies the thing (e.g., an identification of a widget by a
serial number affixed to the widget, an identification of a widget
by one or more characteristics of the widget). An indication of a
thing may include information that may be used to compute and/or
look-up a thing (e.g., information identifying a machine of which a
widget is a part that may be used to determine the widget). An
indication of a thing may specify things that are related to the
thing (e.g., characteristics of the thing, a name of the thing, a
name of a thing related to the thing). An indication of a thing may
not specify things that are related to the thing (e.g., a letter
"a" may be an indication of a widget of a computer system that is
configured to interpret the letter "a" to identify the widget). An
indication of a thing may include a sign, a symptom, and/or a token
of the thing. An indication, for example, may include a code, a
reference, an example, a link, a signal, and/or an identifier. An
indication of a thing may include information that represents,
describes, and/or otherwise is associated with the thing.
[0117] A transformation of an indication of a thing may be an
indication of the thing (e.g., an encrypted indication of a thing
may be an indication of the thing). An indication of a thing may
include the thing itself, a copy of the thing, and/or a portion of
the thing. An indication of a thing may be meaningless to a thing
that is not configured to understand the indication (e.g., a person
may not understand that a letter "a" indicates a widget but it may
nonetheless be an indication of the widget because the computer
system may determine the widget from the letter "a"). It should be
understood that the fact that an indication of a thing may be used
to determine the thing does not mean that the thing or anything
else is determined. An indication of a thing may include an
indication of any number of the thing unless specified otherwise.
An indication of a thing may include an indication of other things
(e.g., an electronic message that indicates may things).
(Indication can be used as a very broad term in claim language. For
example: receiving an indication of a financial instrument.)
[0118] The term "represent" means (1) to serve to express,
designate, stand for, or denote, as a word, symbol, or the like
does; (2) to express or designate by some term, character, symbol,
or the like; (3) to portray or depict or present the likeness of,
as a picture does; or (4) to serve as a sign or symbol of.
[0119] A reference to "another embodiment" in describing an
embodiment does not imply that the referenced embodiment is
mutually exclusive with another embodiment (e.g., an embodiment
described before the referenced embodiment), unless expressly
specified otherwise. Similarly, the mere fact that two (or more)
embodiments are referenced does not imply that those embodiments
are mutually exclusive.
[0120] One embodiment of the invention may include or cover or
embrace more than one other embodiment of the invention. For
example, a first embodiment comprising elements a, b, and c may
cover a second embodiment that comprises elements a, b, c, and d as
well as a third embodiment covering elements a, b, c, and e.
Similarly, each of the first, second, and third embodiments may
cover a fourth embodiment comprising elements a, b, c, d, and
e.
[0121] The terms "including", "comprising" and variations thereof
mean "including but not necessarily limited to", unless expressly
specified otherwise. Thus, for example, the sentence "the machine
includes a red widget and a blue widget" means the machine includes
the red widget and the blue widget, but may possibly include one or
more other items as well.
[0122] The term "consisting of" and variations thereof mean
"including and also limited to", unless expressly specified
otherwise. Thus, for example, the sentence "the machine consists of
a red widget and a blue widget" means the machine includes the red
widget and the blue widget, but does not include anything else.
[0123] The term "compose" and variations thereof mean "to make up
the constituent parts of, component of or member of", unless
expressly specified otherwise. Thus, for example, the sentence "the
red widget and the blue widget compose a machine" means the machine
includes the red widget and the blue widget.
[0124] The term "exclusively compose" and variations thereof mean
"to make up exclusively the constituent parts of, to be the only
components of, or to be the only members of", unless expressly
specified otherwise. Thus, for example, the sentence "the red
widget and the blue widget exclusively compose a machine" means the
machine consists of the red widget and the blue widget (i.e. and
nothing else).
[0125] The terms "a", "an" and "the" refer to "one or more", unless
expressly specified otherwise. Thus, for example, the phrase "a
widget" means one or more widgets, unless expressly specified
otherwise. Similarly, after reciting the phrase "a widget", a
subsequent recitation of the phrase "the widget" means "the one or
more widgets". Accordingly, it should be understood that the word
"the" may also refer to a specific term having antecedent basis.
For example, if a paragraph mentions "a specific single feature"
and then refers to "the feature," then the phrase "the feature"
should be understood to refer to the previously mentioned "a
specific single feature." (It should be understood that the term
"a" in "a specific single feature" refers to "one" specific single
feature and not "one or more" specific single features.)
[0126] The term "plurality" means "two or more", unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0127] The term "herein" means "in the present application,
including anything which may be incorporated by reference", unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0128] The phrase "at least one of", when such phrase modifies a
plurality of things (such as an enumerated list of things), means
any combination of one or more of those things, unless expressly
specified otherwise. For example, the phrase "at least one of a
widget, a car and a wheel" means either (i) a widget, (ii) a car,
(iii) a wheel, (iv) a widget and a car, (v) a widget and a wheel,
(vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, a car and a wheel. The
phrase "at least one of", when such phrase modifies a plurality of
things does not mean "one of" each of the plurality of things. For
example, the phrase "at least one of a widget, a car and a wheel"
does not mean "one widget, one car and one wheel".
[0129] Numerical terms such as "one", "two", etc. when used as
cardinal numbers to indicate quantity of something (e.g., one
widget, two widgets), mean the quantity indicated by that numerical
term, but do not mean at least the quantity indicated by that
numerical term. For example, the phrase "one widget" does not mean
"at least one widget", and therefore the phrase "one widget" does
not cover, e.g., two widgets.
[0130] The phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on", unless
expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based
on" covers both "based only on" and "based at least on". The phrase
"based at least on" is equivalent to the phrase "based at least in
part on". For example, the phrase "element A is calculated based on
element B and element C" covers embodiments where element A is
calculated as the product of B times C (in other words,
A=B.times.C), embodiments where A is calculated as the sum of B
plus C (in other words, A=B+C), embodiments where A is calculated
as a product of B times C times D, embodiments where A is
calculated as a sum of the square root of B plus C plus D times E,
and so on.
[0131] The term "represent" and like terms are not exclusive,
unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the term
"represents" does not mean "represents only", unless expressly
specified otherwise. For example, the phrase "the data represents a
credit card number" covers both "the data represents only a credit
card number" and "the data represents a credit card number and the
data also represents something else".
[0132] The term "whereby" is used herein only to precede a clause
or other set of words that express only the intended result,
objective or consequence of something that is explicitly recited
before the term "whereby". Thus, when the term "whereby" is used in
a claim, the clause or other words that the term "whereby" modifies
do not establish specific further limitations of the claim or
otherwise restrict the meaning or scope of the claim.
[0133] The terms "e.g", "such as" and like terms mean "for
example", and thus do not limit the term or phrase they explain.
For example, in the sentence "the computer sends data (e.g.,
instructions, a data structure) over the Internet", the term "e.g."
explains that "instructions" are an example of "data" that the
computer may send over the Internet, and also explains that "a data
structure" is an example of "data" that the computer may send over
the Internet. However, both "instructions" and "a data structure"
are merely examples of "data", and other things besides
"instructions" and "a data structure" can be "data".
[0134] The term "respective" and like terms mean "taken
individually". Thus if two or more things have "respective"
characteristics, then each such thing has its own characteristic,
and these characteristics can be different from each other but need
not be. For example, the phrase "each of two machines has a
respective function" means that the first of the two machines has a
function and the second of the two machines has a function as well.
The function of the first machine may or may not be the same as the
function of the second machine.
[0135] The term "i.e." and like terms mean "that is", and thus
limits the term or phrase it explains. For example, in the sentence
"the computer sends data (i.e., instructions) over the Internet",
the term "i.e." explains that "instructions" are the "data" that
the computer sends over the Internet.
[0136] A numerical range includes integers and non-integers in the
range, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the range
"1 to 10" includes the integers from 1 to 10 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, . .
. 9, 10) and non-integers (e.g., 1.0031415926, 1.1, 1.2, . . .
1.9).
[0137] Where two or more terms or phrases are synonymous (e.g.,
because of an explicit statement that the terms or phrases are
synonymous), instances of one such term or phrase does not mean
instances of another such term or phrase must have a different
meaning. For example, where a statement renders the meaning of
"including" to be synonymous with "including but not limited to",
the mere usage of the phrase "including but not limited to" does
not mean that the term "including" means something other than
"including but not limited to".
IV. Determining
[0138] The term "determining" and grammatical variants thereof
(e.g., to determine a price, determining a value, the determination
of an object which meets a certain criterion) is used in an
extremely broad sense. The term "determining" encompasses a wide
variety of actions and therefore "determining" can include
calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating,
looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, a database or another data
structure), rendering into electronic format or digital
representation, ascertaining and the like. Also, "determining" can
include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g.,
accessing data in a memory) and the like. Also, "determining" can
include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the
like.
[0139] The term "determining" does not imply certainty or absolute
precision, and therefore "determining" can include estimating,
extrapolating, predicting, guessing, averaging and the like.
[0140] The term "determining" does not imply that mathematical
processing must be performed, and does not imply that numerical
methods must be used, and does not imply that an algorithm is
used.
[0141] The term "determining" does not imply that any particular
device must be used. For example, a computer need not necessarily
perform the determining.
[0142] The term "determining" may include "calculating". The term
"calculating" should be understood to include performing one or
more calculations. Calculating may include computing, processing,
and/or deriving. Calculating may be performed by a computing
device. For example, calculating a thing may include applying an
algorithm to data by a computer processor and generating the thing
as an output of the processor.
[0143] The term "determining" may include "referencing". The term
"referencing" should be understood to include making one or more
reference, e.g., to a thing. Referencing may include querying,
accessing, selecting, choosing, reading, and/or looking-up. The act
of referencing may be performed by a computing device. For example,
referencing a thing may include reading a memory location in which
the thing is stored by a processor.
[0144] The term "determining" may include "receiving". For example,
receiving a thing may include taking in the thing. In some
embodiments, receiving may include acts performed to take in a
thing, such as operating a network interface through which the
thing is taken in. In some embodiments, receiving may be performed
without acts performed to take in the thing, such as in a direct
memory write or a hard wired circuit. Receiving a thing may include
receiving a thing from a remote source that may have calculated the
thing.
V. Forms of Sentences
[0145] Where a limitation of a first claim would cover one of a
feature as well as more than one of a feature (e.g., a limitation
such as "at least one widget" covers one widget as well as more
than one widget), and where in a second claim that depends on the
first claim, the second claim uses a definite article "the" to
refer to that limitation (e.g., "the widget"), this mere usage does
not imply that the first claim covers only one of the feature, and
this does not imply that the second claim covers only one of the
feature (e.g., "the widget" can cover both one widget and more than
one widget).
[0146] When an ordinal number (such as "first", "second", "third"
and so on) is used as an adjective before a term, that ordinal
number is used (unless expressly specified otherwise) merely to
indicate a particular feature, such as to distinguish that
particular feature from another feature that is described by the
same term or by a similar term, but that ordinal number does not
have any other meaning or limiting effect--it is merely a
convenient name. For example, a "first widget" may be so named
merely to distinguish it from, e.g., a "second widget". Thus, the
mere usage of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the
term "widget" does not indicate any other relationship between the
two widgets, and likewise does not indicate any other
characteristics of either or both widgets. For example, the mere
usage of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term
"widget" (1) does not indicate that either widget comes before or
after any other in order or location; (2) does not indicate that
either widget occurs or acts before or after any other in time; and
(3) does not indicate that either widget ranks above or below any
other, as in importance or quality. The mere usage of ordinal
numbers does not define a numerical limit to the features
identified with the ordinal numbers. For example, the mere usage of
the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "widget"
does not indicate that there are exactly two widgets.
[0147] When a single device, article or other product is described
herein, in another embodiment more than one device or article
(whether or not they cooperate) may alternatively be used in place
of the single device or article that is described. Accordingly, the
functionality that is described as being possessed by a device may
alternatively be possessed by more than one device or article
(whether or not they cooperate) in another embodiment.
[0148] Similarly, where more than one device, article or other
product is described herein (whether or not they cooperate), in
another embodiment a single device or article may alternatively be
used in place of the more than one device or article that is
described. For example, a plurality of computer-based devices may
be substituted with a single computer-based device. In some
embodiments, such a plurality of computer-based devices may operate
together to perform one step of a process such as is common in grid
computing systems. In some embodiments, such a plurality of
computer-based devices may operate provide added functionality to
one another so that the plurality may operate to perform one step
of a process such as is common in cloud computing systems.
(Conversely, a single computer-based device may be substituted with
multiple computer-based devices operating in cooperation with one
another. For example, a single computing device may be substituted
with a server and a workstation in communication with one another
over the internet) Accordingly, the various functionality that is
described as being possessed by more than one device or article may
alternatively be possessed by a single device or article.
[0149] The functionality and/or the features of a single device
that is described may, in another embodiment, be alternatively
embodied by one or more other devices which are described but are
not explicitly described as having such functionality or features.
Thus, other embodiments need not include the described device
itself, but rather can include the one or more other devices which
would, in those other embodiments, have such functionality or
features.
VI. Disclosed Examples and Terminology are not Limiting
[0150] Neither the Title (set forth at the beginning of the first
page of the present application) nor the Abstract (set forth at the
end of the present application) is to be taken as limiting in any
way the scope of the disclosed invention, is to be used in
interpreting the meaning of any claim or is to be used in limiting
the scope of any claim. An Abstract has been included in this
application merely because an Abstract is required under 37 C.F.R.
.sctn. 1.72(b).
[0151] The headings of sections provided in the present application
are for convenience only, and are not to be taken as limiting the
disclosure in any way.
[0152] Numerous embodiments are described in the present
application, and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The
described embodiments are not, and are not intended to be, limiting
in any sense. The disclosed invention is widely applicable to
numerous embodiments, as is readily apparent from the disclosure.
One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the disclosed
invention may be practiced with various modifications and
alterations, such as structural, logical, software, and electrical
modifications. Although particular features of the disclosed
invention may be described with reference to one or more particular
embodiments and/or drawings, it should be understood that such
features are not limited to usage in the one or more particular
embodiments or drawings with reference to which they are described,
unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0153] Though an embodiment may be disclosed as including several
features, other embodiments of the invention may include fewer than
all such features. Thus, for example, a claim may be directed to
less than the entire set of features in a disclosed embodiment, and
such claim would not be interpreted as requiring features beyond
those features that the claim expressly recites.
[0154] No embodiment of method steps or product elements described
in the present application constitutes the invention claimed
herein, or is essential to the invention claimed herein, or is
coextensive with the invention claimed herein, except where it is
either expressly stated to be so in this specification or (with
respect to a claim and the invention defined by that claim)
expressly recited in that claim.
[0155] Any preambles of the claims that recite anything other than
a statutory class shall be interpreted to recite purposes, benefits
and possible uses of the claimed invention, and such preambles
shall not be construed to limit the claimed invention.
[0156] The present disclosure is not a literal description of all
embodiments of the invention. Also, the present disclosure is not a
listing of features of the invention which must be present in all
embodiments.
[0157] All disclosed embodiments are not necessarily covered by the
claims (even including all pending, amended, issued and canceled
claims). In addition, a disclosed embodiment may be (but need not
necessarily be) covered by several claims. Accordingly, where a
claim (regardless of whether pending, amended, issued or canceled)
is directed to a particular embodiment, such is not evidence that
the scope of other claims do not also cover that embodiment.
[0158] Devices that are described as in communication with each
other need not be in continuous communication with each other,
unless expressly specified otherwise. On the contrary, such devices
need only transmit to each other as necessary or desirable, and may
actually refrain from exchanging data most of the time. For
example, a machine in communication with another machine via the
Internet may not transmit data to the other machine for long period
of time (e.g. weeks at a time). In addition, devices that are in
communication with each other may communicate directly or
indirectly through one or more intermediaries. Devices are in
communication with one another if they are capable of at least
one-way communication with one another. For example, a first device
is in communication with a second device if the first device is
capable of transmitting information to the second device.
Similarly, the second device is in communication with the first
device if the second device is capable of receiving information
from the first device.
[0159] A description of an embodiment with several components or
features does not imply that all or even any of such components or
features are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional
components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible
embodiments of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified
explicitly, no component or feature is essential or required.
[0160] Although process steps, algorithms or the like may be
described or claimed in a particular sequential order, such
processes may be configured to work in different orders. In other
words, any sequence or order of steps that may be explicitly
described or claimed does not necessarily indicate a requirement
that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of processes
described herein may be performed in any order possible. Further,
some steps may be performed simultaneously despite being described
or implied as occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step
is described after the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a
process by its depiction in a drawing does not imply that the
illustrated process is exclusive of other variations and
modifications thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process
or any of its steps are necessary to the invention, and does not
imply that the illustrated process is preferred.
[0161] Although a process may be described as including a plurality
of steps, that does not imply that all or any of the steps are
preferred, essential or required. Various other embodiments within
the scope of the described invention include other processes that
omit some or all of the described steps. Unless otherwise specified
explicitly, no step is essential or required.
[0162] Although a process may be described singly or without
reference to other products or methods, in an embodiment the
process may interact with other products or methods. For example,
such interaction may include linking one business model to another
business model. Such interaction may be provided to enhance the
flexibility or desirability of the process.
[0163] Although a product may be described as including a plurality
of components, aspects, qualities, characteristics and/or features,
that does not indicate that any or all of the plurality are
preferred, essential or required. Various other embodiments within
the scope of the described invention include other products that
omit some or all of the described plurality.
[0164] An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be
numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually
exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. Likewise, an
enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does
not imply that any or all of the items are comprehensive of any
category, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the
enumerated list "a computer, a laptop, and a PDA" does not imply
that any or all of the three items of that list are mutually
exclusive and does not imply that any or all of the three items of
that list are comprehensive of any category.
[0165] An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be
numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are
equivalent to each other or readily substituted for each other.
[0166] All embodiments are illustrative, and do not imply that the
invention or any embodiments were made or performed, as the case
may be.
VII. Computing
[0167] It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art that the various processes described herein may be implemented
by, e.g., appropriately programmed general purpose computers,
special purpose computers and computing devices. Typically a
processor (e.g., one or more microprocessors, one or more
microcontrollers, one or more digital signal processors) will
receive instructions (e.g., from a memory or like device), and
execute those instructions, thereby performing one or more
processes defined by those instructions. Instructions may be
embodied in, e.g., one or more computer programs, one or more
scripts.
[0168] The term "compute" shall mean to determine using a processor
in accordance with a software algorithm.
[0169] A "processor" means one or more microprocessors, central
processing units (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers,
digital signal processors, graphics processing units (GPUs) or like
devices or any combination thereof, regardless of the architecture
(e.g., chip-level multiprocessing or multi-core, RISC, CISC,
Microprocessor without Interlocked Pipeline Stages, pipelining
configuration, simultaneous multithreading, microprocessor with
integrated graphics processing unit, GPGPU).
[0170] A "computing device" means one or more microprocessors,
central processing units (CPUs), computing devices,
microcontrollers, digital signal processors, graphics card, mobile
gaming device, or like devices or any combination thereof,
regardless of the architecture (e.g., chip-level multiprocessing or
multi-core, RISC, CISC, Microprocessor without Interlocked Pipeline
Stages, pipelining configuration, simultaneous multithreading).
[0171] Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of
an apparatus for performing the process. The apparatus that
performs the process can include, e.g., a processor and those input
devices and output devices that are appropriate to perform the
process. For example, a description of a process is a description
of an apparatus comprising a processor and memory that stores a
program comprising instructions that, when executed by the
processor, direct the processor to perform the method.
[0172] The apparatus that performs the process can include a
plurality of computing devices that work together to perform the
process. Some of the computing devices may work together to perform
each step of a process, may work on separate steps of a process,
may provide underlying services that other computing devices that
may facilitate the performance of the process. Such computing
devices may act under instruction of a centralized authority. In
another embodiment, such computing devices may act without
instruction of a centralized authority. Some examples of apparatus
that may operate in some or all of these ways may include grid
computer systems, cloud computer systems, peer-to-peer computer
systems, computer systems configured to provide software as a
service, and so on. For example, the apparatus may comprise a
computer system that executes the bulk of its processing load on a
remote server but outputs display information to and receives user
input information from a local user computer, such as a computer
system that executes VMware software.
[0173] Further, programs that implement such methods (as well as
other types of data) may be stored and transmitted using a variety
of media (e.g., computer readable media) in a number of manners. In
some embodiments, hard-wired circuitry or custom hardware may be
used in place of, or in combination with, some or all of the
software instructions that can implement the processes of various
embodiments. Thus, various combinations of hardware and software
may be used instead of software only.
[0174] The term "computer-readable medium" refers to any medium, a
plurality of the same, or a combination of different media, that
participate in providing data (e.g., instructions, data structures)
which may be read by a computer, a processor or a like device. Such
a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to,
non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.
Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks
and other persistent memory. Volatile media include dynamic random
access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes the main memory.
Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber
optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to
the processor. Transmission media may include or convey acoustic
waves, light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as those
generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data
communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include,
for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic
tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical
medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with
patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any
other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described
hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can
read.
[0175] The term "tangible computer-readable medium" refers to a
"computer-readable medium" that comprises a hardware component,
such as optical or magnetic disks.
[0176] Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in
carrying data (e.g. sequences of instructions) to a processor. For
example, data may be (i) delivered from RAM to a processor; (ii)
carried over a wireless transmission medium; (iii) formatted and/or
transmitted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols,
such as Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), wireless local area network
communication defined by the IEEE 802.11 specifications whether or
not they are approved by the WiFi Alliance, SAP, ATP,
Bluetooth.TM., and TCP/IP, TDMA, CDMA, and 3G; and/or (iv)
encrypted to ensure privacy or prevent fraud in any of a variety of
ways well known in the art.
[0177] The term "database" refers to any electronically-stored
collection of data that is stored in a retrievable format.
[0178] The term "data structure" refers to a database in a hardware
machine such as a computer.
[0179] The term "network" means a series of points or nodes
interconnected by communication paths. For example, a network can
include a plurality of computers or communication devices
interconnected by one or more wired and/or wireless communication
paths. Networks can interconnect with other networks and contain
subnetworks.
[0180] The term "predetermined" means determined beforehand, e.g.,
before a present time or a present action. For example, the phrase
"displaying a predetermined value" means displaying a value that
was determined before the act of displaying.
[0181] The term "condition" means (1) a premise upon which the
fulfillment of an agreement depends, or (2) something essential to
the appearance or occurrence of something else.
[0182] The term "transaction" means (1) an exchange or transfer of
goods, services, or funds, or (2) a communicative action or
activity involving two parties or things that reciprocally affect
or influence each other.
[0183] Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of
a computer-readable medium storing a program for performing the
process. The computer-readable medium can store (in any appropriate
format) those program elements which are appropriate to perform the
method. For example, a description of a process is a description of
a computer-readable storage medium that stores a program comprising
instructions that, when executed by a processor, direct the
processor to perform the method.
[0184] Just as the description of various steps in a process does
not indicate that all the described steps are required, embodiments
of an apparatus include a computer or computing device operable to
perform some (but not necessarily all) of the described
process.
[0185] Likewise, just as the description of various steps in a
process does not indicate that all the described steps are
required, embodiments of a computer-readable medium storing a
program or data structure include a computer-readable medium
storing a program that, when executed, can cause a processor to
perform some (but not necessarily all) of the described
process.
[0186] Where databases are described, it will be understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art that (i) alternative database
structures to those described may be readily employed, and (ii)
other memory structures besides databases may be readily employed.
Any illustrations or descriptions of any sample databases presented
herein are illustrative arrangements for stored representations of
information. Any number of other arrangements may be employed
besides those suggested by, e.g., tables illustrated in drawings or
elsewhere. Similarly, any illustrated entries of the databases
represent exemplary information only; one of ordinary skill in the
art will understand that the number and content of the entries can
be different from those described herein. Further, despite any
depiction of the databases as tables, other formats (including
relational databases, object-based models and/or distributed
databases) could be used to store and manipulate the data types
described herein. Likewise, object methods or behaviors of a
database can be used to implement various processes, such as the
described herein. In addition, the databases may, in a known
manner, be stored locally or remotely from a device which accesses
data in such a database.
[0187] Various embodiments can be configured to work in a network
environment including a computer that is in communication (e.g.,
via a communications network) with one or more devices. The
computer may communicate with the devices directly or indirectly,
via any wired or wireless medium (e.g. the Internet, LAN, WAN or
Ethernet, Token Ring, a telephone line, a cable line, a radio
channel, an optical communications line, commercial on-line service
providers, bulletin board systems, a satellite communications link,
a combination of any of the above). Each of the devices may
themselves comprise computers or other computing devices, such as
those based on the Intel.RTM., Pentium.RTM., or Centrino.TM.,
Atom.TM. or Core.TM. processor, that are adapted to communicate
with the computer. Any number and type of devices may be in
communication with the computer.
[0188] In an embodiment, a server computer or centralized authority
may not be necessary or desirable. For example, the present
invention may, in an embodiment, be practiced on one or more
devices without a central authority. In such an embodiment, any
functions described herein as performed by the server computer or
data described as stored on the server computer may instead be
performed by or stored on one or more such devices.
[0189] Where a process is described, in an embodiment the process
may operate without any user intervention. In another embodiment,
the process includes some human intervention (e.g., a step is
performed by or with the assistance of a human).
[0190] As used herein, the term "encryption" refers to a process
for obscuring or hiding information so that the information is not
readily understandable without special knowledge. The process of
encryption may transform raw information, called plaintext, into
encrypted information. The encrypted information may be called
ciphertext, and the algorithm for transforming the plaintext into
ciphertext may be referred to as a cipher. A cipher may also be
used for performing the reverse operation of converting the
ciphertext back into plaintext. Examples of ciphers include
substitution ciphers, transposition ciphers, and ciphers
implemented using rotor machines.
[0191] In various encryption methods, ciphers may require a
supplementary piece of information called a key. A key may consist,
for example, of a string of bits. A key may be used in conjunction
with a cipher to encrypt plaintext. A key may also be used in
conjunction with a cipher to decrypt ciphertext. In a category of
ciphers called symmetric key algorithms (e.g., private-key
cryptography), the same key is used for both encryption and
decryption. The sanctity of the encrypted information may thus
depend on the key being kept secret. Examples of symmetric key
algorithms are DES and AES. In a category of ciphers called
asymmetric key algorithms (e.g., public-key cryptography),
different keys are used for encryption and decryption. With an
asymmetric key algorithm, any member of the public may use a first
key (e.g., a public key) to encrypt plaintext into ciphertext.
However, only the holder of a second key (e.g., the private key)
will be able to decrypt the ciphertext back in to plaintext. An
example of an asymmetric key algorithm is the RSA algorithm.
VIII. Continuing Applications
[0192] The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in
the art, an enabling description of several embodiments and/or
inventions. Some of these embodiments and/or inventions may not be
claimed in the present application, but may nevertheless be claimed
in one or more continuing applications that claim the benefit of
priority of the present application.
[0193] Applicants intend to file additional applications to pursue
patents for subject matter that has been disclosed and enabled but
not claimed in the present application.
IX. 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, Paragraph 6
[0194] In a claim, a limitation of the claim which includes the
phrase "means for" or the phrase "step for" means that 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 112, paragraph 6, applies to that limitation.
[0195] In a claim, a limitation of the claim which does not include
the phrase "means for" or the phrase "step for" means that 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 112, paragraph 6 does not apply to that limitation,
regardless of whether that limitation recites a function without
recitation of structure, material or acts for performing that
function. For example, in a claim, the mere use of the phrase "step
of" or the phrase "steps of" in referring to one or more steps of
the claim or of another claim does not mean that 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
112, paragraph 6, applies to that step(s).
[0196] With respect to a means or a step for performing a specified
function in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, paragraph 6, the
corresponding structure, material or acts described in the
specification, and equivalents thereof, may perform additional
functions as well as the specified function.
[0197] Computers, processors, computing devices and like products
are structures that can perform a wide variety of functions. Such
products can be operable to perform a specified function by
executing one or more programs, such as a program stored in a
memory device of that product or in a memory device which that
product accesses. Unless expressly specified otherwise, such a
program need not be based on any particular algorithm, such as any
particular algorithm that might be disclosed in the present
application. It is well known to one of ordinary skill in the art
that a specified function may be implemented via different
algorithms, and any of a number of different algorithms would be a
mere design choice for carrying out the specified function.
[0198] Therefore, with respect to a means or a step for performing
a specified function in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112,
paragraph 6, structure corresponding to a specified function
includes any product programmed to perform the specified function.
Such structure includes programmed products which perform the
function, regardless of whether such product is programmed with (i)
a disclosed algorithm for performing the function, (ii) an
algorithm that is similar to a disclosed algorithm, or (iii) a
different algorithm for performing the function.
[0199] Where there is recited a means for performing a function
that is a method, one structure for performing this method includes
a computing device (e.g., a general purpose computer) that is
programmed and/or configured with appropriate hardware to perform
that function.
[0200] Also included is a computing device (e.g., a general purpose
computer) that is programmed and/or configured with appropriate
hardware to perform that function via other algorithms as would be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
X. Disclaimer
[0201] Numerous references to a particular embodiment do not
indicate a disclaimer or disavowal of additional, different
embodiments, and similarly references to the description of
embodiments which all include a particular feature do not indicate
a disclaimer or disavowal of embodiments which do not include that
particular feature. A clear disclaimer or disavowal in the present
application will be prefaced by the phrase "does not include" or by
the phrase "cannot perform".
XI. Incorporation By Reference
[0202] Any patent, patent application or other document referred to
herein is incorporated by reference into this patent application as
part of the present disclosure, but only for purposes of written
description and enablement in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112,
paragraph 1, and should in no way be used to limit, define, or
otherwise construe any term of the present application, unless
without such incorporation by reference, no ordinary meaning would
have been ascertainable by a person of ordinary skill in the art.
Such person of ordinary skill in the art need not have been in any
way limited by any embodiments provided in the reference.
Conversely, the definitions provided in this application should not
be used to limit, define, or otherwise construe any term of any
document incorporated herein by reference. The definitions set
forth explicitly in this application are controlling
notwithstanding the description of particular embodiments that may
be incompatible with the definition(s).
[0203] Any incorporation by reference does not, in and of itself,
imply any endorsement of, ratification of or acquiescence in any
statements, opinions, arguments or characterizations contained in
any incorporated patent, patent application or other document,
unless explicitly specified otherwise in this patent
application.
XII. Prosecution History
[0204] In interpreting the present application (which includes the
claims), one of ordinary skill in the art shall refer to the
prosecution history of the present application, but not to the
prosecution history of any other patent or patent application,
regardless of whether there are other patent applications that are
considered related to the present application, and regardless of
whether there are other patent applications that share a claim of
priority with the present application.
XIII. Alternative Technologies
[0205] It will be understood that the technologies described herein
for making, using, or practicing various embodiments are but a
subset of the possible technologies that may be used for the same
or similar purposes. The particular technologies described herein
are not to be construed as limiting. Rather, various embodiments
contemplate alternate technologies for making, using, or practicing
various embodiments.
[0206] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the
method without departing from the scope of the invention. The
method may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps
may be performed in any suitable order without departing from the
scope of the invention.
[0207] While this disclosure has been described in terms of certain
embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and
permutations of the embodiments and methods will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of
example embodiments does not constrain this disclosure. Other
changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without
departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined
by the claims herein.
* * * * *